Public Affairs Specialist

Candidates must reside in the Metro DC area and be willing to work remotely and onsite, as needed. Relocation would be done at the employee's expense.

DepartmentC is looking for an experienced Public Affairs Specialist who can create and implement a strategic media engagement strategy for a science-oriented client.

This individual will develop a strategic plan that aligns with the client’s objectives, proactively pitch media and respond to inquiries, and analyze the effectiveness of the tactics. Strong candidates will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

Requires the ability to translate complex science information to non-experts. Must be both a team player and a strong independent contributor. This position requires frequent interfaces with clients’ other internal organizations, seeking strategic opportunities to align pitches and messaging with peer divisions.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and document a media outreach strategy, including pitch angles
• Execute the media outreach strategy
• Develop relationships with reporters
• Represent the client at internal meetings, keep stakeholders and teammates informed of important updates
• Proactively pitch key stories and develop talking points
• Respond timely to (and prioritize) media requests
• Conduct media training with client staff
• Develop content (features/explainers, press releases, etc.)
• Track media activities and performance
• Website editing as needed
• Social media support (drafting posts) as needed
• Support presentation development as needed

• Occasional after-hours support of key events
• Occasional travel to support key conferences or events

About DepartmentC

DepartmentC is a full-service boutique agency that brings a well-rounded approach to client engagement. Our mission is to offer high-caliber creative services to companies of all sizes—but without the big-agency bloat and ego. Our team members have helped customers from the “top 50” (Fortune list) to the “under 30” (employees or fewer).

We have a vested interest in our customers’ successes. After all, we’d like to think of ourselves as an extension of their creative departments — their own DepartmentC.

DepartmentC is a certified small women-owned business with a commitment to representing diverse perspectives and ensuring equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 8 years of professional public affairs/ communications experience
• Exceptional interpersonal and writing skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Experience preparing executive-level principals for public speaking and media engagements
• Experience with using PR tools, such as Cision
• Managerial experience (optional)
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations with poise and diplomacy
• Must have strong organizational skills and be detail-oriented
• Existing relationships within science/space media community are helpful but not required
• Experience with WordPress helpful but not required

Benefits

• 401K
• Healthcare
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off